Then why in thunder
do we let her be? Here am I at a centre of learning and wisdom and
I don't believe so; and there is nothing in all our colleges,
libraries and roomsfull of wiseacres here, to settle that plain
question for me, plainly and finally. My life is a grubby torment
of cravings because it isn't settled. If sexual activity IS a part
of the balance of life, if it IS a necessity, well let's set about
making it accessible and harmless and have done with it. Swedish
exercises. That sort of thing. If it isn't, if it can be reduced
and done without, then let us set about teaching people HOW to
control themselves and reduce and get rid of this vehement passion.
But all this muffled mystery, this pompous sneak's way we take with
it!"
"But, Billy! How can one settle these things? It's a matter of
idiosyncrasy. What is true for one man isn't true for another.
There's infinite difference of temperaments!"
"Then why haven't we a classification of temperaments and a moral
code for each sort? Why am I ruled by the way of life that is
convenient for Rigdon the vegetarian and fits Bowler the saint like
a glove? It isn't convenient for me.
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